Wire binding machine



9 A. E. CRANSTON, JR., ETAL 3,232,216

WIRE BINDING MACHINE l0 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed April 29, 1963 zu 207 The.IL

INVENTORS ALBERT E. .Cunsron 3:. WILLIAM J-Rowau. DEAN A. ENSTAD BY 4, M

ATTORNEY Feb. I, 1966 A. E. CRANSTON, JR.. ETAL WIRE BINDING MACHINE l0Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April 29. 1963 I QN-PRQ INVENTORS R; wT NOS MEN hiE A Y NW fa Q AWD .w V. flA Bfiw Feb. 1, 1966 A. E. CRANSTON, JR., ETALWIRE BINDING MACHINE 1O Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed April 29, 1963 INVENTORSALBERT E.CRANSTON 32. BY W\\ L.\AN\ J. ROWELL DEAN A ENSTAD 0.

AT'Y NE.

Feb. 1, 1966 A. E. CRANSTON, JR., ETAL 3,232,216

WIRE BINDING MACHINE Filed April 29, 1963 10 Sheets-Sheet 4 i rncsh fA IINVENTORS Ema YL L ma 76] Hucm 7H ALBERTECRANSTON 32.

I ATTORNEY Feb. 1, 1966 A. E. CRANSTON, JR., ETAL 3,232,215

WIRE BINDING MACHINE Filed April 29, 1963 1o Sheets-Sheet 5 IN VENTORSALBERT E.CEANSTON SR. Y WILLIAM J. RQWELL v be DEAN A, ENsTAD Feb. 1,1966 A. E. CRANSTON, JR.. ETAL 3,232,216

WIRE BINDING MACHINE Filed April 29, 1963 l0 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTORS 1106:. 1M) ALBERT E..CRAN STON 32.

y WlLLlAM J Rowau.

ATTORNEY 10 Sheets-Sheet 7 WIRE BINDING MACHINE A. E. CRANSTON, JR. ETALm @NN EN Feb 1, 1966 Filed April 29, 1965 2Q, INVENTORS ALBERT E.CRANSTON 32, BY \AN\ 3. EOWELL ZVDEA A. NS'YAE;

AhQQNEY Feb. 1, 1966 A. E. CRANSTON, JR., ETAL 3,232,215

WIRE BINDING MACHINE Filed April 29, 1965 10 Sheets-Sheet 8 INVENTORSALBERT E.CRANSTON 32.

BY WILUAM J. ROWELL DEAN A. ENETAD 6/2 ATTORNEY Feb. 1, 1966 A. E.CRANSTON, JR., ETAL 3,232,216

WIRE BINDING MACHINE Filed April 29, 1963 10 Sheets-Sheet 9 Il DEL H 5MACH\NE THREADED FOR CLOCKWEE ROTAT\ON- BALE \N AND ACTUATKDN OF 1.3-2.A

[FULGm Rma MOTOR oN- DOUBLE SHEAVES CROSS OVER CENTER WHZE. NO 1\NTWViFER GEAR.

IFUCEm 111/ RWG MOTOR ON DOUBLE SHEAVES PASS CENTER m4 ECT AND RETURN-LEFT Gam OPEN.

PL DEL RlNG MOTOR Aaou-r TO SHUT OFF. WHZE NO-Z ENTER$ AND PA$$ES OVERHEAD OF R\G\-\ GRH PER [FUG- RWG MOTOR-OFF. Ewe COASTS TO STOP WHQE NOZINTO LEFT GE\PPL=.R- LEFT GRH PEK CLOSED.

LL flGu 'TWVSTER CYCLE sTAzTs WIRE TW\ST'|NG\.W\RE TENS\ON \N TAKE UP-PULL5 FANG EACAQ TE u [1GB awe GOA-STING. BACK. TvwsT COMPLETED- mameawpaa OPE-N CUTTERS UP AND DOWN H; 6% 22 wuza same ABOUT VZWAY BA K.EJECTOE$ DP THEN EETRACT. KNCT \5 NOW FREE FROM MAu-uNL.

INVENTORS ALBERT E.CRANSTON JR.

8? WH-LlAM J. Rcwcu.

DE-AN A. ENSTAD FF" m5, RING STOPPED 4 BY Rme BRAKE AND no DOWN RETRATS. AT ;ORNEY GRlPPERS RQLLOVEE- R'T GRWPER CLOSE. READY NEW CYCLE.

Feb. 1966 A. E. CRANSTON, JR., ETAL 3,232,216

WIRE BINDING MACHINE 10 Sheets-Sheet 1O Fled April 29, 1963 dmim MmPmEFmm idpNmm ON %RE HEAD m PXN gwml OZM ATTORNEY United States Patent3,232,216 WIRE BINDING MACHINE Albert E. Cranston, Jr., Miiwauirie,William J. Rowell,

Portland, and Dean A. Enstad, Oregon City, Greg,

assignors to Devco, Ind, Oak Grove, Greg, :1 corporation of Oregon FiledApr. 29, 1963, Ser. No. 276,473 22 Claims. (Ci. 1630-28) This inventionrelates to a wire binding machine and has particular reference toimprovements in a reversible rotary ring-type of machine.

The general objects of the invention are to reduce wire waste, obtain afaster operating cycle and provide a machine which' is more trouble freeand requires less maintenance than conventional machines. Even smallimprovements in any one of these factors is of considerable economicimportance and improvement in all of them is of great importance to theuser of the machine. When a binding machine is operating substantiallycontinuously, the elimination of the waste of an inch or two of wire ineach binding amounts to a considerable quantity of wire in a short time.Likewise, the saving of a second or two in each binding cycle allowsmany more cycles and a correspondingly increased work flow through themachine in the course of a day. The elimination of down time at thebinding machine keeps production lines moving and eliminates costlyinterruptions to the work flow in the plant where the machine is used.In the aggregate, improvement of all of these factors may make itpossible to handle the output of a plant or factory with a fewer numberof binding machines.

Specific objects ancillary to the attainment of the fore going generalobjects are to provide an improved arrangement of wire grippers, animproved and faster acting pneumatic and electric control system tocontrol the many functions of the machine and a new and improved type ofcontrol mechanism for certain functions of the machine.

Wire waste is largely eliminated through the use of a new arrangement ofroll-over grippers which function in such a way that the gripped end ofthe wire .does not have to be cut from the knot or splice. This grippedend is shorter than in conventional practice and is left on the bundleas a part of the splice. This effects not only a saving in wire but alsoreduces trouble in operation by avoiding the problem of cut wire endsfalling into the machine. There is no need for special devices to keepthe cut ends out of the mechanism.

The control system is made faster and more trouble free by controllingmany of the pneumatically operated functions of the machinedirectly bypilot valves and utilizing pilot air lines maintained normally underpressure. Conventional solenoid valves have been largely eliminated. Ingeneral, pilot valves are more rugged and less sensitive to dust, fumesand moisture in the air than the usual micro-switches. Some of the majorfunctions of the machine are controlled in a new way by the movements ofan oscillating wire head. which follows the changing direction of leadof the wire to the wire laying ring as the ring revolves.

Still other objects and advantages will become apparent and theinvention will be better understood from the following description ofthe preferred embodiment of machine illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. Various changes may be made, however, in the construction andarrangement of parts and certain features may be used without others.Also, some of the improved features of the present machine are notlimited to-use with wire nor to a reversible ring-type of machine. Allsuch changes and modifications within the scope of the appended claimsare included in the invention.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a front elevation view of a binding machine embodying theprinciples of the invention;

FIGURE 2 is a left side elevation;

FIGURE 3 is a right side elevation;

FIGURE 4 is an enlarged fragmentary view of a portion of the wire layingring;

FIGURE 5 is a sectional view taken on the line 55 of FIGURE 4;

FIGURE 6 is a sectional view taken on the line 66 of FIGURE 4;

FIGURE 7 is a front elevation view of the oscillating wire head;

FIGURE 7A is a sectional view of the oscillating wire head;

FIGURES 7B to 7H are views showing the movements of the actuating camsin FIGURE 7A;

FIGURE 8 is a rightside elevation view of the twister gear drivemechanism with parts broken away;

FIGURE 9 is a view taken on the line 9-9 of FIG- URE 8;

FIGURE 10 is a view taken on the line 1010 of FIG- URE 9;

FIGURE 11 is a vertical sectional view through the twister plate showinga gripper and cutter;

FIGURE 12 is a view taken on the line 12-12 of FIGURE 11;

FIGURE 13 is a fragmentary view of the wire injecteject device;

FIGURE 14 is an exploded view of the twister plate mechanism includinggrippers and cutters;

FIGURES 15 to 23 are a sequence of views showing successive steps in theoperation of the twister gear, grippers, cutters and wire inject-ejectdevice in a binding cycle;

FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram of the pneumatic control system; and

FIGURE 25 is a schematic diagram of the electrical control system.

. Machine in general With reference to the general views in FIGURES 13,the machine has a frame 10 supported on a pair of widely spaced wheels11 on its left side and a steerable double Wheel 12 on its right sideprovided with a tongue 13 for convenience in moving the machine about.Mounted on rollers 14 around the periphery of a circular plate 17 in theframe It is a reversible wire laying ring 15. This ring surrounds anopening in plate 17 which forms a rectangular bundle passage 16. Theframe further includes a base portion, right pedestal 18, left pedestal19 and an interconnecting overhead bridge portion 20. The ring 15defines a vertical Wrapping or binding plane at the front side of themachine.

Power operated conveyor rollers 21 feed bundles into and out of thebundle passage 16 and control means are provided for properlypositioning the bundles to receive a single wire binding or a pluralityof bindings in predetermined positions on the bundle. This mechanism isdesignated as a bundle or Wire locater. The left pedestal 19 carries awire resistance device 22 and a slack take-up 23. The wire is fed to thering through a novel swivelmounted oscillatingwire head 25 which throughits swinging movements from side to side controls some of .the majorfunctions of the machine. 2 a fairlead which operates a number of pilotvalves and limit switches when the lead of the wire changes direction.

After being laid about a bundle, the wire is spliced in a twister unitand cut off. During these operations the wire This wire head forms isheld in a novel arrangement of grippers. Except for the ring andconveyor rollers, the various operating mechanisms are actuated by apneumatic system which is controlled for the most part by mechanicallyand pneumatically actuated valves. The electrical system, which controlschiefly the ring and conveyor rollers, includes a portable consoleequipped with a control panel. The console is preferably mounted onwheels and connected with the machine by a flexible cable so that it maybe placed in a convenient position for the operator.

A bundle coming into the bundle passage 16 on conveyor rollers 21engages and rotates forward the meter wheel 30 in FIGURES 1 and 3. Thismeter wheel is mounted on a stub shacfit on the upper end of the longarm of an L-shaped arm which is pivot-ally mounted at its lower end on ashaft 32.

The left end of shaft 32 in FIGURE 1 carries an index wheel 50. Indexwheel '50 has one or more cams each individually adjustable about thecircumference of the wheel 50.

Any one or combination of these cams can be preselected and installed inthe proper location on wheel 50 to control the quantity and location ofthe bindings on any single bale. For example, by selection of the cams abundle can be received, bound by any numbers of wires, then reversed anddischarged from the conveyor, then turned by other means and reenter-edto receive more bindings perpendicular to the first bindings, thendischarged in forward direction automatically.

Conveyor drive motor 55 in FIGURE 2 has a drive sprocket 56 which drivesthe back conveyor rolls on the left side of the machine by a chain 57.The front rolls are driven from the back rolls by a chain 61 on theright side of the machine, as shown in FIGURE 3.

The foremost and rearmost rollers extend across the width of themachine. The adjacent rollers are divided in the middle of the machineand the central rollers are interrupted in. the middle by the twisterplate. Thu-s, chain 57 drives all the left hand rollers back of thering, and chain 61 drives all but one of the right hand rollers l'romthe rearmost roller. A third chain 62 drives the left front rollers fromthe foremost roller. The left and right rollers in the plane of the ringare not driven.

Wire tension Binding wire enters the machine through a resistance deviceand a slack take-up device. This device provides controlled resistanceto the movement of the wire so that rotation of the wire ring willtension the wire as it is laid about a bundle. The device is carried bya plate which is mounted in outstanding position on the left pedestalportion 19 of the machine as shown in FIG- URE 1.

This deflects the wire into a circuitous path which imposes a resistanceon the movement of the wire and also cold works the wire to relievetwisting strains when the wire is drawn from a supply coil in an axialdirection.

A crosshead is mounted for sliding movement on a pair of vertical guideswhich are connected at their lower ends with the machine tfirame 10.This crosshead carries a pair of sheaves 122. Mounted in stationaryposition on the upper ends of the guides is a single sheave 123.

The wire enters the take-up from the wire tensioning or resistancedevice, then makes a double loop around the sheaves 122 and 123 andleaves the wire take-up over a sheave from whence it passes to the wirehead in FIG- URE 1.

Wire ring and bundle holda'own The details of the wire, laying ring areshown in FIG- URES 4-6.

The side and top margins of bundle passage 16 in FIG- URE 1 are definedby the edges of a transverse vertical frame plate 17 near the front ofthe machine. FIGURE 4 shows a portion of this plate at the upper rightcorner of the bundle passage. The rollers 14, which support wire ring15, are mounted for adjustment radially of the ring on eccentric studs136 spaced around the circular margin of plate 17. The circular outeredge of plate 17 is spaced within the ring 15 and the latter is providedwith an inner groove 137 which forms a track for the rollers 14, asshown in FIGURE 5.

Studs 138 in the forward edge of the ring carry sheaves 139 for the wireW. At one point on the ring two of these sheaves, here designated 140,are spaced close together to form a guide for laying the wire about abundle as the ring revolves. The two sheaves 140 are also referred to asdouble ring sheaves for the purpose of designating this point on thering, the other sheaves 139 being uniformly spaced around the ring. Thering is rotated by a flat belt 141. This belt is driven by a pulley 142on an electric motor 143 as shown in FIGURES 1 and 2.

A brake shoe 131 engageable with the inner surface of the ring in groove137 is provided, as shown in FIGURE 1, to stop the ring after the wirehas been wrapped around a bundle and the splice has been completed andejected trom the twister gear. This shoe is mounted on arm 1132 which ispivotally'mounted at 133 on plate 17 for actuation by a piston incylinder 134.

The positions of gripper control pilot valves PV9 and PV10 adjacent thering band above the upper corners of the bundle passage are shown inFIGURE 1. The two valves are similar, the details of PV9 being. shown inFIG- URES 4-6. The valves are mounted in vertical position on plate 17,each having a downwardly projecting piston or plunger 1 4 5 equippedwith a roller 1 46 on its lower end. An actuating arm 147 is pivotallymounted at 148 on plate 17. The port-ion of the arm on one side of thepivot which engages roller 146 is pulled against the roller by a tensionspring 149 but this spring is insufficient to overpower the springwithin the valve which normally holds the piston extended. On the otherside of pivot 148 the arm has an opposite end equipped with a roller 150which is engaged by a ring cam 151. When the cam engages the roller thevalve plunger is lifted to perform a valve function.

The cam 151 is mounted in one side of a groove 153 in the inside of ring15. A similar cam, not shown, is mounted in the opposite side of groove153 at a different position on the ring to actuate the other controlvalve PV10 in FIGURE 1 in a similar manner. The arrangement is such thatvalve PV9 is actuated only by the cam 151 while PVlt) is actuated onlyvby the other cam, the rollers on the actuating arms of the two valveshaving the same width as the cams and being disposed in the planes ofthe respective cams. This is illustrated in FIG- URE 6 with respect tothe valve PV9.

FIGURE 1 illustrates a holdd own bar 155 for clamping a bundle B instationary position in the bundle passage 16. This bar is equipped ateach end with a pair of guide fingers to straddle opposite sides ofplate 17 and a roller 157 to roll on the vertical edge of the platewhich defines the side of the bundle passage.

The bar 155 may be raised and lowered in the bundle passage by a pistonrod in an air pressure cylinder 159. The cylinder is disposed in a notchin plate 17 and its upper end is connected to an inverted U-shapedmounting member. The vertical legs of the U-sh-aped mounting member areequipped with a series of bolt holes which may be brought into registerwith holes in plate 17 on opposite sides of the notch. Thus, for lowbundles the: cylinder may be mounted low in the notch while for higherbundles the cylinder may be mounted higher up: in the notch so that thepiston will always have about the same distance of travel for low andhigh bundles and will not have to travel through a long stroke to reachthe top of a low bundle. A short stroke clarnp movement saves air in thepneumatic system and saves time in each cycle of operation. In most usesof the machine the bundle. size does not change frequently.

Oscillating wire head FIGURES 7-7H show how the oscillating wire head orfairlead 25 in FIGURE 1 swings from side to side to actuate pilot valvesand switches controlling some of the major functions of the machine.

The wire head comprises a hollow shaft 165 mounted for oscillation inbearings 166 at the peak of the bridge portion of the machine frame.Referring back to previous views, it will be remembered that the wireleaves the take-112p device over a sheave in a transverse direction fromthe left side of the machine toward the center of the machine. Afterleaving the take-up sheave the wire changes direction around a guidesheave 167 at the rear of the machine (FIGURE 2) and then proceedsforward through shaft 165, which is left to right in FIGURE 7A.

The wire leaves the forward end of shaft 165 through a bottom slot 168which contains the upper side of a sheave 170. An ear 171 depending fromthe forward end of the shaft supports sheave 170 and also a block 172which carries a pair of closely spaced lateral guide rollers 173. Abovethe guide rollers 173 is a back roller 174 on the ear 171 and a frontroller 175 on the lower end of an arm 176 whichhangs from a pivotalconnection 177 on the front end of the shaft. From the lateral guiderollers 173 the wire proceeds to the ring sheaves 139, as shown inFIGURE 1.

Roller 175 deflects the wire slightly between sheave 170 and roller 174for additional cold working. Roller 175 is held against the wire by apin 178 in arm 176 which engages in a notch 179 in the under side of ahandle lever 180. Lever 180 is pivotally mounted on ear 171 at 180A.Thus, arm 180 may be lifted up to move arm 176 and roller 175 out of theway for re-threading.

After the ring 15 reverses direction from clockwise to counterclockwiserotation and vice versa, the shaft 165 will swing from side to sidefollowing the direction of the wire in its course from the wire head tothe ring sheaves 139 and 140. When the ring is pulling the wire incounterclockwise rotation, as shown in FIGURE 1, the wire will leave thehead 25 in the direction of line W in FIGURE 7, and when the ring ispulling the wire in clockwise direction it will leave the head in thedirection of line W These are the two extreme positions of the head. Asthe double sheaves 140 in FIGURE 4 pass under the wire head in eitherdirection of rotation, the wire direction will be straight down as shownin full lines in FIGURE 7.

Shaft 165 carries seven identical cams 181-187 between the bearings 166.Cams 181 to 184 and 187 are all set in the same position with the camlobe in the same direction as sheave 170, as shown in FIGURES 7B to 7Band FIGURE 7H. Cam 185 is offset to the right as shown in FIGURE 7F andcam 186 is offset to the left as shown in FIGURE 76.

A bracket 188 beneath the cams carries the five pilot valves PVI to PV5.These are simple plunger or piston valves spring-actuated upward andequipped with roller cam followers for actuation downward by the cams. Abracket 189 carries the two limit switches LS3 and LS4 which areoperated in a similar manner. In order to facilitate wiring, theswitches are mounted to the left of the bank of valves as shown inFIGURES 7G and 7H.

Cams 181-184 actuate their respective valves only momentarily at theswitch-over point of the head as indicated in full lines in FIGURES7B-7E. The broken line positions of these cams correspond to the rightand left wire positions W and W in FIGURE 7 in which cam positions thevalves return to their spring-actuated raised positions. W designatesthe wire position during clockwise rotation of ring 15 and W designatesthe wire position during counterclockwise rotation. PV1 is an'mject-eject pivot valve, PV2 is a left gripper open pilot valve, PV3 isa right gripper open pilot valve and PV4 is a selector pilot for gripperclose right and left.

PV5 is a right and left gripper open selector pilot valve. This valve iscam actuated only in the wire position W in FIGURE 7.

LS3 is a ring stop limit switch which is actuated only momentarily atthe cross-over point of head 25. This switch actuation is timed the sameas the valves in FIG- URES 7B-7E, it being remembered that the switch ismounted in displaced position and that its cam 186 is similarlydisplaced on shaft 165. LS4 is a ring direction limit switch which islikewise displaced. This switch is timed to operate in synchronism withpilot valve PV5.

Twister unit The twister unit for splicing the wire is shown in FIG-URES 8, 9 and 10. This is often referred to as a knotter. A twister gearT having a pair of diametrically opposite wire receiving slots 201 and202 is mounted in bearings for rotation just below the level, andadjacent the forward (left in FIGURE 8) edge, of twister plate 203 whichalso carries the grippers and cutters. The twister gear is driventhrough intermediate gear 205 from a twister drive gear 286. The latteris fixed on a shaft 207 carrying a driven gear 208. Shaft 207 alsocarries an index cam 198 having a single notch engaged by a springpressed index pawl 199. Gear 208 is driven by a ratchet gear 209 on ashaft 210 which also carries a number of other elements.

Rotation of the above gear train is produced by a piston rod 211 in apneumatic cylinder 212 which appears in the right pedestal 18 of themachine frame in FIGURE 1. The lower end of the piston rod is pivotallyconnected at pin 215 with a set of side plates 221 and 222 which carriesa pivotally mounted pawl 217 on pin 216. The pawl is pressed intoengagement with a notched ratchet plate 218 on the shaft 210 by means ofa compression spring 219 which is interposed between the pawl 217 andthe pawl block 220. Pawl block 220 is mounted to the pair of side plates221 and 222 which are mounted for rotation on the hub of the ratchetplate 218.

The hub of side plate 22 has a cylindrical braking surface within abrake band 223. The brake band is carried by a stationary brake mountingring 227. The brake tension is adjustable through nuts 224 and springs225 on a bolt 226 which passes through apertured ears on the ends of thebrakeband 223. This brake is operating at all times but is effectiveonly when the cylinder rod 211 is retracted and rotates the side plates221 and 222 in a clockwise direction. The applied pressure on this brakeis set to transmit this rotary movement to the ratchet hub 218 and henceto the gear 209 which in turn transmits movement through the gear trainto the twister gear T. The actual movement of gear T at such time isapproximately rotation at the end of which the index pawl 199 engagesthe stop shoulder on cam 198. At this time the cylinder rod will stillbe returning but the rotation of shaft 210 will be stopped through gear209. The brake band 223 at this time only slips around side plate hub222 until rod 211 is fully retracted.

At the start of a twisting cycle the twister gear is on index asdescribed above, the wire receiving slots being straight up and down(202 at bottom will receive wire). During the twisting cycle the twistergear rotates clockwise as scen in FIGURE 8 approximately 3% rotations.Then upon return of the cylinder rod 211 the twister gear T is returnedapproximately A1. turn or 90 in the counterclockwise direction until theslot 202 is on center and straight up which will be on index. This thenallows ejection of the splimd Wire.

When the index pawl 199 contacts its mating stop in hub 198, anybouncing or fractional rotation of the attached shaft 207 is preventedby four brake pins 213 against intermediate gear 205 (FIGURE 14). Thesepins 213 are always under pressure by springs 214.

Wire injecting and ejecting fingers 230 are pivotally mounted at 231 infront of the twister gear T. These 7 fingers are actuated by a pistonrod 232 in an air cylinder 234. When the wire is in the bottom slot ofthe twister gear, the fingers move upward on opposite sides of the gearto inject the wire to the top of the slot and, when the wire holdingslot later turns upward, the fingers eject the wire from the slot.

The twister unit also includes various control switches and pilot valvesfor controlling the operation of the machine. Adjacent the ratchet plate218 are mounted conveyor restart limit switch LS7 and pilot valves PV6,PV7 and PV8. Pilot valve PV6 is a knotter index, pilot valve PV7 is acutter actuating valve and pilot valve PV8 actuates the wire ejecter.Pawl block 221 carries a pin 235 arranged to engage the actuating arm236 of switch LS7. Extending downward from the pawl block is an arcuatearm 237 carrying a pair of cams 238 and 239. The former actuates valvePV6 and the latter actuates valve PV7. A cam 240 on side plate 221actuates the valve PV8.

Grippers and cutters The twister plate 203 carries twister gear T, leftand right grippers G and G and left and right cutters C and C as shownin FIGURES 11, 12 and 14. FIG- URE 14 shows the left gripper and leftcutter mounted on the twister plate, and the right gripper, right cutterand twister gear removed from the twister plate.

The twister gear is mounted on a pair of twister gear bearing blocks 250which are attached to the under side of the front end of the twisterplate. These bearing blocks have arcuate bearing surfaces 251 on theirfront ends which fit the end journal portions of the twister gear T atone side of the wrapping plane of the wire. The twister gear is retainedin these bearings by a pair of retaining fingers 252 which have angledarcuate forward end portions 253 projecting into the opposite hollowends of the twister gear without obstructing the wire slots. The backsides of the straight rear portions of the retaining fingers havesplines at 254 to fit horizontal grooves 255 in the bearing blocks wherethey are secured by screws in holes 256. The bearing blocks also havetransverse bores 257 to support the ends of a short shaft 258 for theintermediate gear 295 which drives the twister gear. This mountingarrangement permits convenient removal of the twister gear for repair.

Each gripper has a removable jaw 260 which reciprocates to open andclose the gripper and a stationary jaw 261 which does not reciprocate.Each movable jaw 260' has a recess262 on one side to receive a hardenedcutter plate 263. These cutter plates are on the sides of the jaws whichface the twister gear T when the jaws are turned downward as is the casewith the left gripper (3;, in FIGURE 14.

The rear end of each movable jaw 264) is transversely notched andfingered at 264 to fit a mating configuration on the front end of agripper shaft 265. This mating connection is contained within thestationary jaw 261 which has a cylindrical exterior surface for rotationin a cylindrical bore 266 in a gripper shaft guide block 270. The guideblocks 270 for the two grippers are mounted on the under side of twisterplate 293 spaced from pposite ends of the twister gear T. The inner endofstationary jaw 261 bears against a thrust bearing unit 271 which isseated against a shoulder in bore 266, as shown in FIGURE 11.

Gripper shaft 265 is supported for rotation in longitudinal slidingmovement in a cylindrical bore 275 in guide block 270; Rotary movementis imparted through a roll-over gear 2'76 which is splined to the shaft.Longitudinal movement is imparted by a yoke 277 which is closed by anend plate 288. A thrust bearing unit 285 is confined between end plate288 and a nut 286 on the rear end of the shaft. Yoke 277 is connected bya pin 278 on an actuating arm 279. The arm 2'79 is mounted for pivotalmovement on a shaft 230 by means of gripper 8 cylinder 282 which is theright gripper cylinder. Piston rod 283 is pivotally connected at 284with the arm 279. The left gripper is similarly constructed and operatedby a left gripper cylinder 281 which appears only in the schematicdiagram of the pneumatic system, FIGURE 24.

The grippers are rotatable in unison through 180 by a roll-over drivegear 290 which is in mesh with a rack bar 291. Rack bar 291 slides in agroove 292 in the under side of the twister plate 293 and is meshed withthe roll-over gears 276 of both grippers.

Integral on the gear 290 is an arm 293 having pivotal connection at 294with a piston rod 295 in roll-over cylinder 296. When the piston rod isfully extended as shown in FIGURE 12, the lower end of arm 293 depressesa plunger 297 which carries a cam 298 to actuate the valve PV 12. Whenpiston rod 295 is retracted, the plunger 297 is extend to the right byspring 299 so that the valve is no longer actuated by cam 298. PV12 is agripper roll-over selector pilot valve.

Each cutter is mounted on a stub shaft 310 for rotation in a transversecylindrical bore 311 in one of the gripper shaft guide blocks 270. Thecutter has a recess 312 to receive a hardened cutting blade 313 which isarranged for movement in cooperative shearing relation with the cuttingblade 263 of the adjacent gripper jaw, as shown in FIGURE 14 in the caseof the left gripper and left cutter. The cutter has an actuating arm 314which is pin connected at 315 with the front end of cutter link 316. Therear ends of both cutter links 316 are pivotally connected at 317 with adouble arm 318 which is pivotally mounted at its lower end at 319. Botharms are connected together for movement in unison by the cuttercylinder 320 which has a piston rod 321 pivotally connected with thearms at 322. Mounted on the arms is a bracket 323 carrying an actuatinglug for cutter return ilot valve PV11.

FIGURE 13 shows actuating lug 330 for inject-eject return pilot valvePV13. This lug is mounted on piston rod 232 of inject-eject cylinder234.

FIGURES 15-23 illustrate the different phases of the twister cycle in aclockwise binding operation. This cycle starts in FIGURE 15 with the endof the wire secured in the closed right gripper. The right gripper facesupward and the left gripper, which is also closed, faces downward. Forreference, this is the orientation of the grippers illustrated in FIGURE14. The twister gear is in the position shown in FIGURE 8 with its slotsin a vertical plane. As the ring 15 starts to rotate clockwise, the wireis laid in the bottom slot of the twister gear and then slides acrossthe sloping nose of the closed left gripper without entering the gripperand proceeds upward around the left side of the bundle B, as shown inFIGURE 16.

As the double sheaves pass over top center position, the left gripperopens and wire injector fingers 230 are actuated upward to force thewire to the 'bottom of the twister gear slot as shown in FIGURE 17. Theinjector fingers are immediately retracted. In FIGURE 18 the wire haspassed completely around the bundle and the ring motor is about to shutoff. The wire passes over the head of the closed right gripper into thetwister gear slot and into the open left gripper which then closes, asshown in FIGURE 19.

Then the twister cycle starts and twists a knot or splice as shown inFIGURE 20. While this is occurring, the wire tension in the take-updevice starts to pull the ring back in counterclockwise rotation. InFIGURE 21 the right gripper has opened to free the end of the wire andthe cutters have moved upward in unison. Since the right gripper is openand facing upward, the wire is out only at the left gripper and then thecutters retract downward. While this is occurring, the ring is turningback in counterclockwise rotation and the cut end of the wire from thetake-up device is now secured in the left gripper which is facingdownward.

In FIGURE 22 the fingers 230 are again actuated, this time functioningas ejector fingers to eject the splice from the top side of the twistergear. In the twisting of the splice, the twister gear has made an oddnumber of half revolutions so that the slot containing the wires stopsin an upward facing direction whereby when the splice is ejected fromthe twister gear, it is free of the machine. The double sheaves 14% onthe ring are now approaching bottom position a indicated by thedirection of the wire from the left gripper whereby this part of thewire is also clear of the bundle.

In FIGURE 23 the ring has been stopped by its ring brake with the doublesheaves 140 in approximately bottom position. The grippers have rotated180 counterclockwise so that the open right gripper now faces downwardand the left gripper, which is closed on the cut wire end, faces upward.The twister gear presents its opposite slot downward for reception ofthe wire in the next binding cycle, which will be in a counterclockwisedirection of ring 15, and the right gripper closes.

This leaves the grippers and twister gear all in reverse positionsrelative to FIGURE for the start of a counterclockwise cycle. In thecounterclockwise cycle the same events occur with the wire moving in theopposite direction and the gripper functions reversed with respect tothe right and left grippers. At the end of the cycle the parts arereturned to their FIGURE 15 positions for another clockwise cycle.

Pneumatic system I FIGURE 24 illustrates the pneumatic control systemfor the machine. This system involves, essentially, cylinder and pistonunits and various types of valves, all shown diagrammatically byconventional symbols. The numerals identifying these valves are prefixedby letters indicating the type of valve.

The pilot valves, which are the pneumatic equivalent of push buttonswitches and limit switches in an electrical system, comprise the PVseries. These valves are three way piston type, spring actuated in onedirection and actuated in the opposite direction by moving parts of themachine or push buttons, or in some cases, by air. Slave valves, whichfunction as pneumatic relays, are designated as double pilot valves andcomprise the DPV series. These are four way valves actuated in oppositedirections by air as indicated by the letter A in a circle. Solenoidvalves are designated SV.

The system also includes a considerable number of double check valveswhich are designated as shuttle valves in the SH series. These are allembodied in T fittings having two opposed inlet connectionscommunicating with a single outlet at right angles. When pressure isapplied to either inlet the valve closes the other inlet, the outletalways being in communication with the open inlet. Several flow controlvalves are included, in the NV series. These valves restrict the flow ofair in the direction of the arrow and provide unrestricted flow in theopposite direction as shown, for example, in U.S. Patent 2,841,174.

In order to simplify the diagram, the air supply lines are not shown.Instead, each air supply connection is indicated by a conventionalcircle and arrow symbol which is identified by the letter S in certaininstances. Double lines on the drawing indicate high pressure linescarrying Working pressure and volume for the various cylinder and pistonunits. Heavy single lines indicate pilot or control lines which areunder pressure in the static condition of the system, and light singlelines indicate pilot or control lines which are not under pressure instatic condition. As previously explained, one important feature of themachine is the maintenance of pressure in many of the conduits of thecontrol system so that time and air are not expended in bringing suchconduits up to pressure when a machine function is signalled.

The auto (bundle) locater cylinder 65 is controlled by pilot valve PV26,the source of air being obtained through pressure regulating valve 82from supply S.

Wire take-up cylinder 126 is supplied with air through check valve 349and pressure regulating valve 341. When the piston is pulled upward inthe cylinder by the wire pulling action of the ring 15 in laying thewire about a bundle, the maximum pressure in the upper end of thecylinder is limited to a predetermined value by relief valve 342 whichexhausts to atmosphere. This valve is adjusted to open at a higherpressure than the pressure of the incoming air from valve 341. When thering motor is deenergized the pressure in the upper end of the cylinderforces the piston down to reverse the ring and take up slack. Then, asthe cylinder pressure falls with the movement of the piston, more air isadmitted through valve 341. When wire tension pulls the piston upward,check valve 340 prevents reverse flow back into the supply pipe, andvalve 342 relieves the excess pressure.

Ring brake cylinder 134 and holddown cylinder 159 are supplied through asolenoid valve SV1. The latter cylinder is double acting to retract thepressure bar, and SV1 is a reversing valve for this cylinder.

Twister cylinder 212 is controlled by double pilot valve DPV 20. Air issupplied through this valve under the control of a manual shutoff valve345. DPV 20 is actu ated in a direction to extend the twister piston bypressure in a pilot line 346 and is actuated in the reverse direction toretract the twister piston by pressure in a pilot line 347. One branchof the latter provides actuating pressure for pilot valve'PV 27 which isconnected to the air supply to apply pressure in a pilot line 348 whileanother branch is connected to the output side of shuttle valve SH34.PV27 prevents re-cycling of the twister operation.

SH34 is typical of numerous shuttle valves in the system which aredouble check Ts having two inlet connections and one outlet connection.Pressure in either one of the inlet connections closes the other inletconnection. Thus, in this case, the inlet connections are 349 and 359,the former leading from pilot valve PV6 and the latter from push buttonpilot valve PV25B.

Pilot line 346 is similarly connected to the outlet of shuttle valveSH35 which has inlet connections with pilot lines 351 and 352. Thelatter is supplied from push button pilot valve PVZSA while the formeris connected with the outlet connection of shuttle valve SH33. Thelatter has inlet connections with pilot lines 353 and 354. The latter isconnected to pilot valve PVlt) and is also connected to one of the inletconnections in shuttle valve SHIN). Pilot line 353 is connected to pilotvalve PV9 and is also connected to one of the inlet connections ofshuttle valve SE32. A branching pilot line 355 is connected with theother inlet connections in shuttle valves SH30 and SE32 and is arrangedto be pressurized by other connections to be described presently.

The outlet connection of SIT-I30 is connected with a pilot line 356while the outlet connection of SH32 is connected with pilot line 357.Pilot valves PV9 and PVllO are connected through pilot'lines 358 and 359with pilot valve PV4. Pressure for the latter valve isobtained throughpilot line 360 which is connected through flow control valve NV46 withpilot line 348. NV46 is a typical flow control valve wherein the fiow ofair is restricted in the direction of the arrow and unrestricted in theopposite direction. The restriction is manually adjustable. The purposeof the restriction here is to delay operation of the twister until thegripper, which has just been actuated to closed position, has time toclamp the wire securely.

Inject-eject cylinder 234 is supplied and controlled by double pilotvalve DPV16. This valve is actuated in one direction by pilot line 376under the control of flow control valve NVIS and pilot valve PV13. Thepurpose of the restriction here is to control the speed of movement ofthe wire inject-eject fingers. It is actuated in the other direction bypilot line 372 which is connected to shuttle valve SH38 to be pressuredfrom either one or the other of pilot lines 373 or 374. The latter issupplied and controlled by push button pilot valve PV22. Pilot line 373is connected to the outlet of shuttle valve SH28 for supply by one orthe other of pilot lines 375 or 376. The llatteris supplied andcontrolled by pilot valve PV1. Pilot line 375 is controlled by pilotvalve PV8. The latter is supplied by pilot line 377 from pressure line378 connected with the lower end of twister cylinder 212.

Left gripper cylinder 281 is supplied and controlled by double pilotvalve DPV18. This valve is actuated in one direction by pilot line 381and in the opposite direction by pilot line 382. The former is connectedto the outlet of shuttle valve SH42 which is supplied by one or theother of pilot lines 383 or 384. The former is supplied and controlledby push button pilot valve PV24A. Pilot line 382 is connected to theoutlet of shuttle valve SH41 which is supplied by one or the other ofpilot lines 385 or 356. The former is supplied and controlled by pushbutton pilot valve PV24.

Similarly, the right gripper cylinder 282 is supplied and controlled bydouble pilot valve DPV17. This valve is actuated in one direction bypilot line 386 and in the opposite direction by pilot line 387. Theformer is connected to the outlet of shuttle valve SH39 which issupplied by one or the other of pilot lines 357 or 388. The latter issupplied and controlled by push button pilot valve PV23. Pilot line 387is connected to the outlet of shuttle valve SH40 which is supplied byone or the other of pilot lines 389 or 390. The former is supplied andcontrolled by push button pilot valve PV23A. The latter is connected tothe outlet of shuttle valve SH31.

Rollover cylinder 296 has high pressure lines 396 and 397 connecting theinner and outer ends of the cylinders, respectively, with double pilotvalve DPV14. Pressure line 396 is connected with pilot line 398 whichleads to pilot valve PV3. Another pilot line 399 continues from PV3 toone of the inlets of shuttle valve SH31. The other inlet of this shuttlevalve is connected with pilot valve PV5. This pilot valve is suppliedfrom pilot line 400 which has one branch connected with pilot valve PV7and another branch connected to actuate double pilot valve DPV in onedirection. Double pilot valve DPV15 is actuated in the oppositedirection by pilot line 377.

' Pressure line 397 from roll-over cylinder 296 has a branch pilot line401 to supply pilot valve PV2. Leading from this valve is a pilot line402 to one of the inlet connections of shuttle valve SH29. The otherinlet connection of this shuttle valve is connected with pilot valvePV5.

' Double pilot valve DPV14 is actuated in one direction by a pilot line403 and in the opposite direction by pilot line 404. The former isconnected with the outlet of shuttle valve SH37 which is supplied by oneor the other of pilot lines 405 or 406. The former is supplied andcontrolled by push button pilot valve PV21A while the latter is suppliedand controlled by pilot valve PV12. Pilot line 404 is connected with theoutlet of shuttle valve SH36, the inlets to this valve being supplied byone or the other of pilot lines 407 or 408. Pilot line 407 is suppliedand controlled by push button pilot valve PV21. Pilot line 408 iscontrolled by pilot valve PV12.

Cutter cylinder 320 has pressure lines 410 and 411 connected with itsinner and outer ends, respectively. Pressure line 410 is connectedthrough flow control valve NV44 to double pilot valve DPV15 and pressureline 411 is connected to pilot valve PV43. The purpose of therestriction here is to control the speed of operation of the cutters.Pressure line 411 is also connected with a pilot line 412 which suppliespressure to pilot valve PVll. The outlet of this valve is connected witha branch of pilot line 355 which is in turn connected with pilot valvePV12. Outlets for this valve are connected with pilot lines 406 and 408,Pilot valve PV43 has a branched connection 12 413 which suppliespressure to actuate itself from double pilot valve DPV15.

From the foregoing it will be observed that each of the six doubleacting cylinders for the twister, injector, grippers, rollover andcutters (212, 234, 281, 282, 296, 320) is controlled by a double pilotvalve (DPV20, 16, 17, 18, 14, 15). Further, each of these double pilotor slave valves is connected for pneumatic control by automatic cyclemeans and also (except the cutters) for individual selective operationby manual push button means (PVZSA, 25B, 22, 23, 23A, 24, 24A, 21, 21a).Each of the push button pilot valves is connected into the automaticcycle system through a shuttle valve. Other shuttle valves similarlyprovide for dual control of such functions by separate means operativein the two directions of rotation of ring 15 as, for example, the pilotvalves PV1 through PV5 which are actuated by the swinging movements ofoscillating wire head 25.

Electrical system FIGURE 25 illustrates the electrical control system.This system is energize from power lines 430 through transformer 431.The secondary of the transformer is connected to wires 432 and 433. Wire433 is connected through three emergency stop switches BS1, BS2 and BS3with a wire 434 to emergency stop relay solenoid C5. This relay isnormally deenergized, causing a line 435 to be energized through thenormally closed relay switch C5 The emergency stop switches are locatedat convenient points about the binding machine and its control consolewhereby the closing of any. one of these switches energizes relay C5 toopen its switch and deenergize line 435. After an emergency stop, relayswitch C5,, is closed and relay C5 may be deenergized by opening resetswitch RS1. The remaining components of the electrical system areenergized from lines 432 and 435 whereby all functions of the machineare stopped when line 435 is deenergized.

The machine may be per'ated in a fully automatic binding cycle or stepby step under manual control by a manual selector switch unit comprisingthe four switches SS1, SS2, SS3 and SS4 which are mechanically connectedtogether for operation in unison. These switches have three positionsdesignated as automatic, off and hand. SS2 and SS4 are connecteddirectly to line 435 while SS1 and SS3 are connected to line 435 throughthe normally closed contacts 03 and C3 of relay C3. In hand position,switch SS1 energizes wire 436 to operate hand signal light 437 while inautomatic position the switch energizes wire 438 to operate automaticsignal light 43-9. Selector switch SS2 performs the sole function ofenergizing wire 440 when the switch is in automatic position. Selectorswitch SS3 energize-s wire 441 in hand position and wire 442 inautomatic position. Selector switch SS4 energizes wire 443 in both handand automatic positions.

There are four main start relays, CM'F, conveyor motor forward, CMR,conveyor motor reverse, RML, ring motor left, and RMR, ring motor right.The functions of these relays are self-explanatory and it is not deemednecessary to illustrate the power circuits to the conveyor motor andring motor.

The direction of the conveyor motor is further controlled by conveyordirection relay C1 which is also a reversing relay. This relay isenergized by a branched wire 445 which connects with limit switch LS1and thence through the normally closed contacts T D2,, of time delayrelay TD2 to wire 440. A holding circuit 446 through relay contacts C1is connected around LS1.

Another branch of wire 445 extends to a switch 447 which is ganged withmanual conveyor run switch CM5. Both of these switches are connectedwith wire 441. Switch 447 connects with wire 445 in the conveyor runreverse position while CM5 connects with wire 442a in both run forwardand run reverse positions.

Also connected with wire 441 is a manual conveyor jog switch CM4 havinga forward position connecting with fcs.

13 wire 448 and a reverse position connecting with wire449. Conveyordirection relay C1 is a reversing switch which causes the conveyor motorto run in reverse direction when this relay is energized. When the relayis not energized, the conveyor motor runs in a forward direction.

The conveyor start relays CMF and CMR are controlled by a number ofswitches. Both of these relays are connected to line 432 through twonormally closed switches OL in series. These are protective overloadcircuit breakers. The other side of CMR relay solenoid is connectedthrough contacts CMR, .to wire 444, and the other side of CMF relaysolenoid is connected through relay contacts CMR to Wire 448. Wire 44?is connected through relay switch C2 with wire 444 and through relayswitch Cl with a wire 45t). Wire 448 also connects through relay switchC1 with a wire 451. This Wire connects through zero speed reverse switchZSR with wire 443 and also with conveyor re-start limit switch LS7,,which is connected to wire 4425:. In a parallel circuit wire 4551connects with wire 442:: through the relay switch CMF Wire 444 connectswith wire 443 through zero speed forward switch ZSF. Conveyor start jogswitch CMZ is connected between wire 442a and wire 450.

The purpose of the zero speed switches is to stop the conveyor motorrapidly by plugging when its energizing circuit is opened in eitherdirection of movement. When the circuit is opened, these switchesreverse the electrical field until the speed is reduced to near zero.

A double wire circuit is also provided to prevent movement of theconveyor while a second binding is applied to the bundle in the sameposition as a previous binding. This circuit involves double wireselector switch CM6 which is connected with wire 440. In the double wireposition this switch connects with wire 460 which is connected throughdouble wire limit switch LS8 to a wire 461. The wires 460 and 461 arealso connected together in a shunt circuit through time delay relayswitches TD?) and TD3 This circuit from wire 468 energizes double wiretime delay relay TD3. Wire 442,, is normally energized through theswitch TDZ of this relay. When TD3 i sfirst energized, switches T333 andTD3 are immediately closed by the relay solenoid and switch TDS, isalready closed. Then after an interval TD3 opens by action of the timedelay device This double wire circuit is an optional or auxiliarycircuit and may be omitted when only single wire bindings are desired.

Conveyor time delay relay TDZ is energized from wire 442 through TDSnormally closed auxiliary contacts, and wire 442 through a switch CMR ofthe conveyor motor reverse relay CMR.

The pressure bar is actuated downward by solenoid valve SVi which is inparallel circuit with relay solenoid This circuit is energized throughconveyor restart limit switch LS7 from wire 462. One branch of wire462'; is connected through a switch C3 in relay C3 to line wire 435-,and another branch is connected through a switch C3,, in relay C3 with acircuit through a switch C2 in relay C2 to a wire 464. One branch of thelatter energizes cycle protection relay C2. The function of the cycleprotection relay is to prevent conveyor movement until the twister cyclehas been completed and the pressure bar has been lifted.

Ring motor right relay RMR is energized through relay switch RML from awire 471, and ring motor left relay RML is similarly energized throughrelay switch RMR from a wire 472. Wire 471 connects with ring directionswitch LS4,. the ring jog right contact of ring control switch RC3 andrelay switch RMR Wire 472 connects with ring direction control switchLS4, the relay switch RML and the ring jog left contact of RC3. LS4, 'LSi relay switches RML- and RMR are all connected to. wire. 473. This'wireis connected to wire 464 through relay switch CZ RC3 is connected toWire 436.

, Right and left ring direction control switches LS4, and LS4, in FIGURE25 are actually combined in a single switch. This is a single pole,double throw switch desigi4 nated as LS4 in FIGURE 7A and 7H. When LS4is closed for right-hand rotation, L84 is open and when LS4 is closedfor left-hand rotation, LS4 is open.

Manual cycle switch RC2 is connected to Wire .36 and has a singlecontact connected to wire 454. Conveyor stop cycle switch LS2 isconnected between wires 438 and 464. Time delay switch TDfa shunts LS2.Switch TD3 is a part of the optional double wire circuit and is omittedwhen only single wire bindings are desired.

Seal relay C4 and ring time delay relay TDI are energized in parallelfrom wire 475. TDl and TD2 are not true time delay relays since theyhave no auxiliary contacts. They are merely timers and require the useof an added relay for holding circuit contacts. Wire 475 is connectedwith ring mot-or stop switch LS3 and :a switch C4 in relay C4. Both ofthese switches are also connected with wire 473. Relay switches TDI,,and C2 are connected in series between wires 435 and 464.

Automatic cycle operation The machine can be operated manually step bystep or in a completely automatic binding cycle. In either case, instatic condition before the machine is started, the pilot lines inFIGURE 24 shown in light lines are not under pressure and the pilotlines shown in heavy lines are under the control pressure which is usedin the system. The

pilot lines under pressure at start are 348, 36%, 3'77, 398 or 401;depending upon previous direction of ring rotation, and 412. Certain ofthe high pressure lines designated by double lines are under workingpressure depending upon the positions of the valves controlling theselines.

An automatic cycle operation will be described first, assuming themachine to be threaded for clockwise or right hand rotation. The variousswitches in FIGURE 25.will be in the positions shown, assuming that themachine has just completed a cycle in left hand or counterclockwiserotation of the wire laying ring. To start an automatic cycle, theselector switch 581-4 is placed in auto position and the conveyor startswitch CM?- is closed. This completes a circuit to normally closed Clcontacts and CMR contacts to energize the conveyor motor forward relayOMF which closes a holding circuit for itself through the normally openCMF contacts. CMZ is a push button switch which reopens itself.

As the forward moving conveyor brings the bundle into the machine, itrotates meter wheel 30 and index wheel 59 forward. As the bundle reachesthe first wire location, a cam lug actuates limit switch LS2. Theclosing of this switch produces a momentary pulse of current to C2 relayclosing contacts C2 C2 and C2 C2 makes a holdin circuit for C2, and C2,,energizes relay C5 and solenoid valve 8V1 through closed LS7 to actuatethe pressure bar. Relay C3 closes a holding circuit for itself throughLSl' and C3,,

Operation of relay C3 opens the normally closed contacts (33 to theconveyor circuit breaking the holding circuit for CME through CMF Whilethe conveyor is in forward motion there is a secondary circuit fromconveyor motor reverse relay CMR through normally closed CMF and throughthe zero speed switch ZSF. When CMF, recloses, this secondary circuitplus CMF, giving instant conveyor stop.

The closing of relay C2 closes its normally open contacts to the ringstarters. Limit switch LS4 on the oscillating wire head determines thedirection of rotation of the ring. As shown on the drawing, it calls forclockwise or right hand rotation, LS4 causing the RMR starter to beclosed, which establishes a holding circuit for itself through its ownnormally open contacts RMR through two sets of other C2 normally opencontacts CZ and C2 and through time delay relay TD1,,. Relay RMR alsoopens its normally closed contacts RMR to R'ML relay, providingelectrical lockout to the reversing starter.

As the ring rotates clockwise, the wire head 25 is pulled across center,closing limit switch LS3. This gives a pulse to relay C4 and time delayrelay TD1. Relay C4 establishes a holding circuit for itself and TD1through its own normally open contacts C4,, wire 473, CZ

wire 464, C2,, and TDL, (which remains closed) to a power source at linewire 435 ahead of all switches except the three emergency stop buttons.After a predetermined lapse of time, TD1 opens its normally closedcontacts TDl breaking this hold circuit and stopping the ring motor.

During the clockwise rotation of the ring, the following pneumaticoperations take place with reference to FIGURE 24. When the double ringsheaves 140 cross over center causing the wire head 25 to swing to theright, pilot valve PVZ is operated thereby allowing air to flow fromroll-over cylinder 296 through line 402, $1129, line 384 and SH42 tooperate DPVlS, which causes the left gripper to open. Also, during thisswing of wire head 25, PV3 is momentarily operated but, since there isno air pressure on the side of the rol -over cylinder that is supplyingthis valve, its operation produces no machine function.

As the wire head 25 swings to the right, PVS is released therebyselecting the right gripper to be opened when the twister ratchetoperates PV7 at a future time during the cycle. Also, PV4 is operatedand maintained in operated position, switching the air supply from ringcam pilot valve PV9 to ring cam pilot valve PV10. PV4 determines whichof PV9 or PV10 will be connected with the air supply during eachrotation of the ring.

Further, during the swing of wire head 25 to the right, PVl is operatedto cause air to flow through line 376, 51-128, line 373, and S1138 tooperate inject valve DPV16 thereby causing an inject operation of theinjector-ejector cylinder 234. As the injector reaches its full stroke,PV13 is operated causing air to flow through flow control valve NV45 toDPV16, retracting the injector-ejector fingers.

As the ring continues in its clockwise direction with the double ringsheaves 140 passing under the bundle to the left and arriving atapproximately 15 above the bed line, ring cam valve PVJO is operated.Just prior to this time the time relay TD1, which was energized by thewire head swinging across center, will drop out, deenergizing the ringdrive motor. As PV10 is operated by the ring cam, air is supplied in twodifferent directions as follows.

It is supplied through line 3541, S1130, line 356 and 3H4]. to operatevalve DPV18, thereby causing the left gripper to grip the second pass ofthe wire. Also, air is supplied through line 354, S1133 and 51-135,causing valve DPVZO to shift, which supplies air to the mount end oftwister cylinder 212, starting the twisting operation. At or near theend of the twister out-ward stroke, valves PV6 and PV'7 are operated.PV6 supplies air through line 349 and 81-134 to the return side of PVZO,cutting off air to PV4 to give more time to roll off valve PV'lti. PV27is operated by pilot line 347 from a port inside of DPVZG, cutting offair to PV4 until twister cylinder 212 is at the end of its stroke.

PV7 on the twister ratchet supplies air in two directions. In onedirection air flows to PV15, shifting it, thereby causing the cutter tobegin its outward stroke. Air is also supplied through PV5, which wasrelieved on the swing of the wire head 25, through 81-131, line 390 and$1140 to the open side of DPV17, causing the right gripper to open. Asthe twister starts its return stroke, air is supplied to the return sideof DPV15, causing it to shift and return the cutter.

During the return stroke of the twister piston in cylinder 212, PVS isoperated, supplying air through SE28, line 373 and 81-138, shiftingDPV16. This causes th injector-ejector to function, this time in aneject opera tion. Again, as the injector-ejector reaches its fullstroke, PV13 is operated causing the air to flow through NV to thereturn side of DPV16, thereby returning the injector-ejector to itsnormal position. On the return stroke of the cutter, PV11 is operated,which is supplied from the cutter cylinder, causing air to flow in twodirections.

In one direction air passes through PV12, which is relieved at thistime, causing air to flow through line 496 to SH37, shifting DPV14 andthereby causing the roll-over cylinder 2% to extend its piston and turnthe left gripper up. As the roll-over reaches its limit, PVlZ isoperated and maintained in its operated position so that the next timeDPVll is operated, the air will flow in the opposite direction causingthe roll-over piston to move back.

Also, when PVll is operated, air will flow through line 355 to S1132,line 357 and SH39, shifting the DPV17 and thereby closing the rightgripper which at this time is turned down because of the operation ofthe roll-over cylinder. It will be noted that DPV17 supplies air to theclosed side of both gripper cylinders during this operation, althoughthe left gripper is already closed.

After the splice has been twisted, limit switch LS7 is tripped bymovement of the twister cam. Contacts LS7 then break the holding circuitto both relay C3 and the pressure bar solenoid SVl. Contacts LS7 give apulse to CMF, a holding circuit is established and the conveyor movesforward to discharge the bundle from the machine or locate it inposition for another binding operation. The operation of ring directionswitch LS4 on wire head 25 shifts contacts LS4 and LS4, to reverse thering motor for each new binding operation.

A double wire operation is accomplished as follows. Double wire switchCM6 is closed, this switch remaining in closed position. This placeslimit switch LS8 in the circuit energizing time delay relay TD3 whichthen establishes a holding circuit around LS8 through time delay contactTD3 and TD3 A set of normally open contacts TD3 are in parallel withLS2, causing a repetition of the wire cycle. The TD3 timing breaks itsown holding circuit after the second cycle has started and before thesplice is completed.

In order to perform the foregoing functions, normally open switches TD3and TD3 are closed and normally closed switch TD3 is opened immediatelyupon energization of the relay solenoid TD3. Normally closed TD3 isopened later by a pneumatic time delay after the second cycle hasstarted. When TD3 opens, LS8 has already opened, whereby TD3 is thendeenergized. This returns all the TD3 relay switches to their originalpositions as shown. LS8 is actuated from index wheel by the movement ofthe bundle. When this auxiliary or optional double wire circuit is notincluded in the wiring system, wire 442a is connected permanently toWire 442.

After tying a wire, the bundle may be backed out of the machine to turnit through or for other purposes. In such case, a cam lug is utilized onthe index wheel 50 to trip limit switches LS1 and LS2 when the bundlereaches a predetermined wire position. The function of LS1 is to give apulse through the normally closed contacts TDZ of time delay relay TDZto relay C1 which locks itself in around LS1 normally open contacts byits own normally open contacts C1, C1 then breaks its normally closedcontacts C1 in the circuit to CM-F and makes its normally open contactsC1 in the circuit CMR' so that, following a wire tying sequence asabove, the operation of LS7 gives its pulse to CMR.

When CMR is energized, its normally open contacts CMR complete a circuitto time delay relay T D2 to start the timing. When the predeterminedtime has elapsed, the normally closed T132 contacts in the C1 circuitbreak the C1 holding circuit. Then C1 breaks its normally open contactsCl in the CMR circuit and makes the normally 1 7 closed contacts C1 inthe CMF circuit. At this time the ZSR contacts are still closed, givinga pulse to CMF allowing it to pull in and close its holding circuit. Theconveyor is then back in forward run.

Manual operation For manual operation the selector switch unit SS1, SS2,SS3, SS4 is placed in the hand or manual position. Now the ring can bejogged either right or left by means of RC3. Also, the conveyor can bejogged either forward or reverse bymeans of CM4. Plugging will occur ineither jogged direction of the conveyor.

Conveyor run is accomplished by actuating CMS to either forward orreverse position and then closing conveyor start switch CM2. No wiretying cycle will occur unless the manual cycle switch RC2 is closedwhile in conveyor run. Closing the manual cycle switch will againactuate relay C3, locking out the conveyors from either forward orreverse and plugging to a stop, duplicating an automatic cycle.

The various functions of the twister unit may also be initiatedindividually by manual means. There are nine manual control valves forthis purpose. The grippers may be rotated to the right or left andopened and closed. Operating manual valve PV21 supplies air through SH36to the piston of the double pilot valve DPV14 causing the grippers toturn to the right. The operation of manual valve PV21A supplies airthrough SH37 to the opposite piston of valve DPV14, causing the grippersto rotate to the left.

The manual operation of PV22 supplies air through SH38 to a pilot pistonof DPV16, causing ejector operation. Return of the ejector fingers isautomatically accomplished by mechanical valve PV13.

Manual valve PV23 supplies air through SH39 to a pilot piston of DPV17,causing right gripper to close. Manual valve PV23A allows air fiowthrough SH40 to the opposite pilot piston of DPV17, causing the rightgripper to open. Valve PV24 causes air to flow through SH41 to a pilotof valve DPV18, causing the left gripper to close. Valve PV24A suppliesair through SH42 to the opposite pilot of DPV18, causing the leftgripper to open.

Manual valve PV25A supplies air through SH35 to a pilot of DPV20,causing the twister to cycle. Operation of valve PV25B supplies airthrough SH34 to the opposite pilot of DPV20, causing the twister toindex to start position.

Having now described our invention and in what manner the same may beused, what we claim as new and desire to protect by Letters Patent is:

1. In a binding machine having a reversible rotary band laying ring,band splicing mechanism and grippers for performing functions of themachine; a fairlead for leading the band to the ring and arranged toswing from side to side to lead the band to opposite sides of the ringwhen the ring changes its direction of rotation, and means actuated bysaid swinging movements of said fairlead controlling said functions ofthe machine.

2. A machine as defined in claim 1, said means controlling the directionof rotation of the ring and the opening and closing of the grippers.

3. A machine as defined in claim 2, said means comprising limit switchescontrolling said ring, pilot valves controlling said grippers, and cammeans on said fairlead for actuating said switches and valves.

4. A machine as defined in claim 1, said band splicing mechanismcomprising a wire twister gear.

5. A machine as defined in claim 4, including a wire injector-ejectorfor said twister gear, a pilot valve controlling said injector-ejector,and cam means on said fairlead for actuating said valve.

6. A machine as defined in claim 4, said fairlead comprising a hollowshaft mounted for rotation adjacent said ring, and a fairlead sheave onsaid shaft arranged to receive binding wire passing through the shaft.

7. A machine as defined inclaim 6, said means comprising cams on saidshaft, and switches and valves actuated by said cams.

8. In a reversible ring type wire binding machine, a fairlead sheavemounted on a shaft to swing from side to side to lead the wire toopposite sides of the ring when the ring changes its direction ofrotation, an axial passageway for the wire through said shaft to saidsheave, cams on said shaft, and means actuated by said cams forcontrolling certain functions of the machine.

9. In a wire binding machine having a twister gear, a pair of wiregrippers, and wire cutters; a double acting fluid pressure operator foreach of said devices, a four way double pilot valve controlling each ofsaid operators, fluid pressure actuators for shifting said valves inopposite directions, pilot valves operated by the machine arranged forenergizing said actuators in an automatic machine cycle, and push buttonpilot valves arranged for energizing said actuators to operate any oneof said operators in either direction.

10. In a wire binding machine having a twister gear, rotatable wiregrippers, wire cutters and a wire injectorejector for the twister gear;a double acting fluid pressure operator for each of said devicesincluding an operator for gripper rotation, a four way double pilotvalve controlling each of said operators, fluid pressure actuators forshifting said valves in opposite directions, pilot valves operated bythe machine arranged for energizing said actuators in an automaticmachine cycle, and push button pilot valves connected with saidactuators to operate any one of said first named devices by itself.

11. In a reversible ring wire binding machine, a twister gear adjacentone side of the ring, rotatable grippers on opposite sides of said gear,and means to rotate said grippers to face toward and away from the ring.

12. A machine as defined in claim 11, said grippers always facing inopposite directions.

13. A machine as defined in claim 11, said rotating means comprisingparallel shafts on said grippers, pinion gears on said shafts, a toothedrack meshed with said gears, and means to reciprocate said rack.

14. In a reversible ring binding machine, a band splicing deviceadjacent one side of the ring, a band gripper on one side of said devicefacing toward the ring, a band gripper on the opposite side of saiddevice facing away from the ring, and means to reverse the positions ofthe grippers to face in the opposite directions.

15. A machine as defined in claim 14, including a fairlead for leadingthe band to the ring and arranged to swing from side to side to lead theband to opposite sides of the ring when the ring changes its directionof rotation, and means actuated by said fairlead controlling the openingand closing of said grippers.

16. In a reversible ring wire binding machine, a twister gear adjacentone side of the ring, a wire gripper on one side of said gear facingtoward the ring, a wire gripper on the opposite side of said gear facingaway from the ring, means to reverse the positions of the grippers toface in the opposite directions, a fairlead on the opposite side of thering from said twister gear for leading the wire to the ring andarranged to swing from side to side to lead the wire to opposite sidesof the ring when the ring changes its direction of rotation, and meansactuated by said fairlead controlling the opening and closing of saidgrippers.

17. In a reversible ring binding machine, a band splicing mechanismadjacent one side of the ring, band grippers on opposite sides of saidsplicing mechanism, a fairlead for leading the band to the ring andarranged to swing from side to side to lead the band to opposite sidesof the ring when the ring changes its direction of rotation, and meansactuated by said fairlead controlling the opening and closing of saidgrippers.

sides of said twis'tergean a fairlead on the opposite side of said ringfrom said twister gear 'for leading the Wire to the ring and arrangedto'sWing from side to side to "lead the Wire toopposite sides of thering when the ring "pe'rs for rotation on axes perpendicular to thegeneral direction 'of the 'band through said splicing means, and

means'to rotate thegrippersthrough' 180.

ZOJAmachineIas defined in claim'19, said grippers "have' 'one operativeposition in which one of said grippers faces toward the bundle and "theother gripper faces'aWay from the bundle and another'opera'tive positionin which said one gripper faces away from the bundle'and said othergripper faces toward'the bundle.

21. A machine as "defined in claim 14 including means operable at the"completionbf'each "binding cycle to actuate said gripperreversing'rne'ans "in preparation for a new binding cycle.

22. In a'reversible ring binding machine, a band splicingdevice'adjacent one sideof the ring, a band gripper on one side ofsaid'device facing toward the ring, a'band gripper on the opposite sideof saiddevice facing-away from the ring, means to open'and close saidgrippers, and means operable on completion of a binding cycle in eachdirection of ring rotation to reverse the facing directions of thegrippers in preparation for a new binding cycle in the oppositedirection of ring rotation.

References Cited-by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,163,042-12/1915 -Staude -7 1,369,219 2/1921 Campbell 100--32 1,499,012 6/1924Greenstreet 1 15 1,482,764 2/ 1924 Ritter 10032 2,330,629 '9/1943Schmidt 10028 2,334,736 11/ 1943 Will'cox -1004 2,456,476 12/1948 Westet a1 1401 15 2,571,678 10/1951 Burns 242154 2,632,381 3/1953 Buckland100-7 2,648,626 7/ 1954 Eberle 100-4 2,749,837 6/1956 Hayford et a1100-28 2,964,259 12/1960 Peel 242-154 'WALTER A. SCHEEL, PrimaryExaminer.

1. IN A BINDING MACHINE HAVING A REVERSIBLE ROTARY BAND LAYING RING,BAND SPLICING MECHANISM AND GRIPPERS FOR PERFORMING FUNCTIONS OF THEMACHINE; A FAIRLEAD FOR LEADING THE BAND TO THE RING AND ARRANGED TOSWING FROM SIDE TO SIDE TO LEAD THE BAND TO OPPOSITE SIDES OF THE RINGWHEN THE RING CHANGES ITS DIRECTION OF ROTATION, AND